Recent studies confirm dogs‘ ability to understand us, their natural talent for empathizing with other species, and the cerebral pleasure that sharing life with them brings us. 

Although dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, it’s less commonly known that they were also the first animal to be domesticated. About 15,000 years ago, humans and dogs began to evolve together, creating a unique symbiotic relationship. Over time, this relationship developed from one of utility to one of affection and mutual understanding. In recent years, numerous studies have explored how this joint evolution has impacted both species. South Korean researcher Onyoo Yoo conducted a study where she brought her dog to work and asked volunteers to interact with it while she monitored their brain activity. The study found that participants‘ alpha brain waves, associated with relaxation, increased when they played with the dog. Their beta waves, associated with concentration, increased when they groomed or played with the dog. This confirmed that spending time with dogs is highly pleasurable and provided valuable insights into the therapeutic effects of animal-assisted interventions. Dogs were likely domesticated from a now-extinct wolf population, according to a comprehensive study published in Science in 2020. The study also identified at least five different canine populations, suggesting a complex ancestral history. Dogs of various types spread alongside different human groups, linking their fate to the survival of the clan they were associated with. Researcher Aritza Villaluenga explained that the first evidence of cohabitation between humans and wolves dates back 25,000 years. However, it wasn’t until 10,000 years later that dogs became a regular part of human history. At this point, dogs were genetically distinct from the wolves living in the same area and time, showing physical and genetic changes. Mariana Boros, a neuroethologist at Loránd University, recently published a study on how dogs can understand words. The study confirmed that dogs understand the meaning of words and that their comprehension mechanisms are very similar to those in humans. Contrary to most scientific literature, psychologist Clive Wynne argues in his book «Dog is Love» that dogs have a unique capacity for interspecies love. He suggests that dogs don’t just understand the humans they live with, they love them. This is backed by a 2015 study showing that the more people looked into their dogs’ eyes, the more oxytocin, a key bonding hormone, was produced in both parties. In addition to understanding, dogs have also evolved to be more adorable and expressive to cater to human preferences.